Meet the Assistant Directors for Academic Advising and Student Services

ON CAMPUS AND OFF CAMPUS PROGRAMS

Christina Chandler earned a BA in American Studies from the University of New England and a Master's degree in Higher Education Administration from Suffolk University. She joined Lesley in 2007 after serving in a professional advisor capacity at other local universities. A presenter at the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) regional conferences, Ms. Chandler’s research interests include topics such as student engagement and empowerment and organizational behavior. She is the co-founder and current co-chair of the Lesley Professional Academic Advisor Committee (LPAAC), a university committee connected to best practices in academic advising at both the graduate and undergraduate levels.

Diane Ronchetti Cooper is a long-standing member of the Lesley community. She earned her
BA from Emmanuel College; attended the George Washington University
Law School; and received graduate degrees from Suffolk and Lesley
University in both Business and Educational Administration. She is an
active member of the American Association of University Women, the
National Academic Advising Association (NACADA), and various local
school and community organizations.

Merlyn Mayhew earned a BA in Psychology from Quinnipiac University, and a Master's degree in Applied Developmental and Educational Psychology from Boston College. She brings a wide range of experience and knowledge from multiple roles at Lesley’s Graduate School of Education to her position as an Assistant Director. Merlyn is a member of the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA).

Marie-Maude Petite-Frere (Maude) earned a BA in Sociology/Anthropology and a Master’s degree in
Higher Education Administration from Northeastern University. With over 12 years of professional advising experience, she is committed
to mentoring individuals interested in furthering their
education. Maude is a member of
the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA), and serves as a youth volunteer in her church.

Pamela Saideh Smith (Pam) has a longstanding relationship with Lesley and the Creative Arts
in Learning degree programs. She earned her BS from Lesley College,
and received her graduate degree from Lesley University in
Interdisciplinary Studies and Multicultural Education. Her interests are
ethnography, oral traditions, and women's history. She is a member of
the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA), and volunteers with
local community organizations.

ONLINE PROGRAMS

Sabina Petrucci Coutis has been affiliated with Lesley for over nine years. She previously
served as the Assistant Director of National Programs and the Assistant
Director of Online Recruitment and Admissions. She holds a BA in
English and an M.Ed. in Technology in Education. Sabina is a member of the National
Academic Advising Association (NACADA).

Mike Matvichuk has been affiliated with Lesley since 1998, beginning as an adjunct
faculty member for the former School of Management and later serving as its Director of Academic Advising and Assessment.
In addition to his current advisor/administrator role in the e-Learning and Instructional Support group, he continues as an
adjunct instructor for Lesley College as well as for a host of
other greater Boston institutions. He holds a BS degree in Science
and an MS in Management.